Disciplinary action may be harder for the FA to sustain after Fernando Torres escaped action for scratching Jan Vertonghen because the officials reported they had partially seen the incident.

But Mirror Sport understands moves are in place for a mid-season change in regulations – prompted by FA chairman Greg Dyke – which will allow retrospective punishment even when the incidents were “seen” by officials.

That would require the assent of the Professional Game Board – including the Premier League, Football League, PFA, League Managers’ Association and referees body PGMOL – but Dyke is determined to push it through.